{Anthropology....I'm Inspired}

When I walk into an Anthro store - I want to run home and redecorate.

This post is full of photos that inspire me to change a few things around my home or create something new.

Burlap stapled to a frame - sure!

Anthropology in SLC, UT.

to see another furniture piece that inspires me CLICK HERE

Decorate with Barn Doors

A client/friend of mine has a beautiful home. The den off of her foyer reminds me of a men's "smoking room" from the old days. It is masculine with leather recliners and a big TV for football night. The ceilings are tall so the art we used needed to be big. I found some barn doors at a salvage store and repainted them. We kept all the original hardware on the doors and painted them a flat black.

These are huge and heavy. I needed help with the transport of these "beasts".They were painted gray and missing glass in the top opening. We filled the top openings with pet fencing and gave it a good coat of rusty red paint, I used crackle paint in some places so they still look old.

We anchored the doors to the wall with a large eye hook wired to a screw in a wall stud to keep them from falling.

We cut out an opening at the bottom (near the star in the photo above) for the air return in the wall.. Then covered the whole in pet fencing , too.

A great way to warm up a space and the large focal point fits this room perfectly.

The curtains were made from burlap. We just added grommets. The rope is tied in knots on either side of the window to large iron buttons.

The cat print is a little "art deco" and I like that it mixes up the style to make this room more unique to the homeowners. The skinny bench underneath was made from reclaimed cedar wood from an old barn right down the street from this house.

The rattan rug is from IKEA. The chairs and ottoman are from Restoration Hardware.

If you are lucky enough to find authentic barn doors - use them as art.

to see how I used the other two barn doors
that I purchased along with these CLICK HERE
if you like using recycled building materials for decor, see our bedroom HERE

This post was linked to:
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia - Tuesdays Treasures #100
The Brambleberry Cottage-Time Travel Thursday
Funky Junk Interiors - SNS #150

{Old Window & Family Photos Display}

I was so lucky to find this enormous window.

It measures 100 inches wide and 63 inches long.

The sofa's name is seriously "Bertha" - she's a big comfy couch.

 The large window matches her scale.

I hung the light weight frames from tiny nails. The top ones are hung with ribbon.

The large window was pretty heavy so I knocked out the glass. I gave it a good pressure wash and a little white paint to freshen it up. The window hangs from D rings and two Monkey Hooks.

If you don't have Monkey Hooks, or Hercules Hooks - you need them!

Each one can hold up to 50lbs. They leave a very small hole in the wall and are quick and easy. Check them out at your local hardware store or even Walmart. They make heavy hanging much happier.

Showing off my family in my home is the best art of all.

Decorate with Family Photographs Post Here

framed photos taken by

Take Aim Photography

and

to see another fun way to use an old big window GO HERE

The wall color here is Carrington Beige by Ben Moore (looks more yellow than it is).

Linking this post with:
From My Front Porch to Yours - Treasure Hunt Thursday #71
Funky Junk Interiors - SNS #150

Custom Pantry Door

A pantry door is an opportunity to bring in some personality to the kitchen.

Here is a simple, affordable way to upgrade a standard 6 panel door.

This pantry door measures 24 inches wide.

Gather these supplies:

1- 1x12x48 panel of pine (comes in a sheet at Lowe's for about $15).

(cut to cover the top 4 panels length wise - mine was 36")

2- Trim Molding of 1x3 pine (larger may be needed for a wider door)

(two lengths cut the same as the 1x12 and 2 cut to the length of the 12" and 2- 1x3 frame sides plus 1 inch - mine were cut at 18 inches)

3- Nails (1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inch), Hammer and Liquid Nails if you like.

4- Chalkboard Paint and paint brush or Chalkboard Spray Paint.

5- Stain or paint for the trim and a brush or an old t-shirt.

6- Paint for the door and a brush.
(I chose Northampton Putty by Ben Moore - Really? you say? - it is my favorite)
7-Wood filler
8- 2x cover spray paint in flat black and acrylic sealer spray in clear satin.

Cut the wood to size first or have them pre-cut when you purchase it at the lumber store.
There are no miter cuts in this project...

Step 1

Cut all your wood to size.

Step 2

Paint the12" middle piece with Chalk Paint (at least two coats).
Step 3

Paint or stain your frame color - I use an old t-shirt and wipe in the stain.
Step 4

Sand the door knob. Spray paint it flat black with wood and metal spray paint.
Step 5

Paint door covering the over spray from the knob. You will need two coats.

In between coats wrap your brush in plastic wrap to keep the paint from drying out.

Tape off hinges to spray them black also. I did mine after the first coat since I would be painting the door again anyway.

I also seal the hinges and knob with this acrylic sealer since this door gets used a lot. It should help the paint last much longer.

Step 6

Apply the second coat of paint to the door and the inside side. I use a tiny little brush (up in the left corner of this photo) to paint around the edges of the hardware. (I am not going to worry about the inside of this pantry today so that knob won't match - it will one day.)
Step 7

 Place the chalk board in the middle of the door covering most of the top four center panels. Make sure to use your level to be sure it is straight.

I use my nail gun and air compressor any time I can - it is so fast and easy. If you don't have one - use your nail, hammer and liquid nails here. You may need somebody to help you hold it in place.
(I am not using liquid nails because this house is not mine - somebody may want to change this one day. If you glue it - it is there for good.)

Step 8

Apply your frame. Sides first then top and bottom.

The top and bottom of the frame should be 1/2 inch over on each side.
Step 9

Fill in the nail holes with wood filler. Let dry and sand lightly.

Touch up the paint and your are done!

I topped mine with an iron accent.

Now I am one step closer to being ready for school to start. I need a visible place to write myself reminders during the school year.

This was a simple project that makes my kitchen look a little more "customized".

to see another pantry door post CLICK HERE
to see other ways to bring in character with doors CLICK HERE
and HERE
barn door decor click here

Linking with:
At the Picket Fence
French Country Cottage
Funky Junk Interiors
Funky Junk Interiors SNS #171 Charming Chalkboards